Giveaways, promotions to mark Feb. 14 release of Safe Haven


State and local tourism officials are marking the Feb. 14 release of Safe Haven with a variety of giveaways and promotions. The film, based on a Nicholas Sparks novel set in Southport, stars Josh Duhamel (Transformers), Julianne Hough (Footloose), David Lyons (Revolution) and Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother). The motion picture filmed in Southport, Raleigh and Western North Carolina.

The Division of Tourism has “Experience Film Sites from Safe Haven” on VisitNC.com. In addition, the Division gave away tickets to two Safe Haven screenings in Charlotte and Raleigh on Feb. 11.

Starting today, North Carolina Brunswick Islands’ Facebook page features a sweepstakes offering the chance to win a romantic getaway for two. The prize includes some transportation and dining expenses, a two-night stay at the Robert Ruark Inn in downtown Southport, a guided tour of Southport that features many of the Safe Haven filming locations, and dinner for two at the restaurant where Duhamel and Hough filmed a romantic dinner scene.

Lois Jane’s Riverview Inn and Adventure Kayak Company and Bicycle Tours, both in Southport, donated a six-night hotel stay worth $1,200 and a guided Southport bicycle tour as part of a Safe Haven-themed Showcase Showdown on the game show The Price is Right, which aired Feb. 8. The episode’s showcase also included a collection of Nicholas Sparks autographed books, a trip to Los Angeles to attend the Feb. 5 premiere of the film and a boat. Duhamel and Hough also introduced the showcase. In addition, Southport Tours is offering Safe Haven filming locations hourly tours on Valentine’s Day.